A new integrated system uses CO2 as a feedstock for bacteria to grow in a nutrient solution and produce bioplastics. The first unit uses electricity to convert the carbon dioxide to ethanol and other two-carbon molecules (electrocatalysis). In the second unit, bacteria consume the ethanol and carbon molecules, becoming a machine to produce bioplastics, different from petroleum-based plastic polymers that are harder to degrade. The new platform’s major strength is a much faster reaction rate than photosynthesis and higher energy efficiency. Many manufacturing processes emit CO2 as a waste product. Using captured CO2 in the process could also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Story Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Communications
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220929133327.htm